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An undisturbed gem of the Mexican Caribbean, which has kept its mellow, fishing-village feel despite close proximity to Cancún. No real nightlife, but lovely beaches, and many small hotels and apartments offer long-term rates (see Puerto Morelos, Puerto Morelos).

A well-rutted track off the main Highway just north of Playa del Carmen leads in three bumpy kilometers (2 miles) to superb, curving beaches of dazzling white sand and a perfect turquoise sea. Some resort hotels have opened up here, but there are still clusters of laid-back beach cabañas (see Cabañas Ana y José, Tulum) among the palms.

Not a remote spot, but the curving beaches here are very long and often occupied only by a few small-scale hotels and condo apartments. It’s quite easy to find uncrowded space at Akumal, by an idyllic sea and with creature comforts included. There are also excellent diving facilities here.

The epitome of a tropical paradise: palm-shaded cabins only a few steps from a vividly colored sea, and with just candlelight and the sound of waves at night. The bargain cabañas at the north end of the beach are slightly noisier, so head south for pure tranquility.

The atrocious state of the road keeps visitor numbers down, but the trek deep into Sian Ka’an (4-wheel-drive only) takes you to a tiny fishing village of sand streets and giant palms, with landing stages by the beach and a few easy-going restaurants and welcoming places to stay. Local guides offer snorkeling, bird-watching, and fishing trips (see Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve).

If the Riviera seems just too busy, take a long drive north from the Cancún–Mérida road to the tiny port of Chiquilá. Hop on a ferry to cross the beautiful lagoon (where dolphins are common) to reach the island of Holbox. Here you’ll find the simple pleasures of a friendly village, a long, empty beach, and some very mellow places to stay.

With just one hotel, two sets of beach cabañas , and a couple of places to eat – with great fresh fish – this Gulf-coast fishing village is for anyone who really does want a beach all to themselves.

Celebrated for the spectacular flocks of flamingos in the lagoon to their east (see Río Lagartos), these villages delight visitors with their unhurried, easy-going style. Great seafood restaurants too, as well as some pleasant small hotels, and, from San Felipe, wonderful sunsets (see Río Lagartos, San Felipe).

Flamingos, again, are the big attraction here, but if you stay over in one of the small hotels after the day-trippers have returned to Mérida you can sample a delightfully peaceful village, its beach strewn with fishing boats (see Celestún, Celestún). North of Celestún is a really remote beach retreat at Xixim (see Eco-Paraíso Xixim, near Celestún).

A seductive escape is offered (at upscale prices) by the hotels scattered around the Yucatán in beautifully converted old Colonial haciendas (country estates). All have luxurious rooms surrounded by tropical gardens, with superb pools and fine restaurants (see Haciendas and Hip Hotels).